2025 Annual General Meeting

Dear Members,

Thank you to the 53 Members who attended the Annual General Meeting last night.

During the meeting, members in attendance were informed that all reports were adopted and tabled resolutions were passed. Through the course of the meeting a number of questions were raised and these are partially addressed in the report below and will be captured further in the minutes of the meeting to be published. 

Whilst minutes are under preparation below is the message delivered in President Alison Andrews address:

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on my first year as Club President and highlight some of the achievements made this year. I would also like to present some considerations for the coming year.

Two major thoughts have been front of mind this year – our financial position and the condition of the course.

Our financial position is detailed in the Treasurer’s report and Iain will speak to this shortly. Of note is the significant reduction in debt, with the levy continuing to materially improve the Club’s financial position. This year has seen a relatively high intake of new members, with the benefit of the associated entrance fees. Demand for membership at Manly Golf Club remains strong. Membership numbers have been maintained within agreed caps, other than the decision to admit 15 additional junior members. Total subscription income increased from the previous year by approximately $374,000.

Expenditure has focused on improving the condition of the course. Everyone is aware of the course transformation that has occurred over the past 12 months due to the implementation of the previously approved Vegetation Management Plan and the allocation of significant funds for staffing, course additives and course equipment. Money has been invested this year to further investigate the improved management of our water resources. Water supply, water storage, pumps, irrigation and our waterways require significant input in terms of expertise and potential funding. This is an important area for future focus and I am pleased to say a “Water Working Group” to be chaired by Richard Gobee, will be formed next year.

With limited funds available spending has been conservative this year. Careful consideration has been given to prioritising expenditure where it was thought to give greatest member benefit, to maximise value and also to address essential repairs and maintenance. Improvements have included the 8th bridge, 11th bore, 9th path, course machinery and kitchen appliances. Additional funds were applied to new on-course furniture (bins, buckets, sand receptacles), some fencing and Clubhouse garden improvements.

Over many decades, maintenance of the Clubhouse has been deferred, primarily due to financial constraints. Throughout the Clubhouse we are now seeing undeniable signs of significant problems that need to be addressed including the roof, the windows, painting, compliance, accessibility, functionality and the general poor condition of the facility and the building amenity. Initial reports suggest costs in the millions of dollars for a cosmetic refresh. It is considered essential that work be undertaken to formulate a masterplan for the future of the Clubhouse. A plan for refurbishment, reconfiguration and upgrades to align the Clubhouse with modern expectations and peer Clubs, will require substantial additional capital funding.

When balancing our finances there are relatively few drivers or levers that can be further optimised to make any material impact on our annual profit. At an operational level we have implemented various strategies to improve the offerings to members as well as to manage costs. However, in broad terms, the revenue that the club generates through subscriptions, entrance fees, levies, golf operations and food and beverage, is fully consumed by the costs of club operations and the day-to-day needs for repairs, together with modest allowances for capital expenditure. Any increases to subscription fees are carefully considered, including benchmarking to peer clubs. Further substantial increases in subscription fees is not seen as desirable. There are no additional capital funds currently available – we have no cash reserves. Running a golf club is a capital intensive business and we currently rely almost exclusively on subscription income to operate the club.

The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to investigate and understand opportunities that may be available to the Club to better secure its long term operational and financial security.

At the beginning of the year a new sub-committee was established – SPC – the Strategy, Planning and Capital works Committee. This committee began an assessment of our current position, by updating and completing our Physical Asset Register, with assistance from member, Alan Martin, incorporating asset lifecycle planning. The Board also attended Strategy Planning sessions facilitated by member, Derek Nix.

The SPC Committee has further evaluated opportunities aimed at securing significant capital funds to develop and effect a Clubhouse masterplan, including refurbishment and modernisation of the Clubhouse, with the potential to also create a corpus (or sinking fund) to provide a future income stream. The Board is at the early stages of this investigation.

We have engaged a consultant, Hampton’s Property Services, to provide professional advice regarding one option, being the possible residential development of the car park. It has been necessary to obtain a survey – at a cost of $15,800 and we have committed an initial consultants fixed fee of $50,000. The consultants have confirmed that the car park is a highly desirable site for residential development and could likely benefit from the State Government’s current HDA (Housing Delivery Authority) provisions which if approved, allow plans for the development of the car park and plans for the Clubhouse to by-pass local council approvals. Architects have provided initial broad concept feedback at no cost and with no obligation.

Although initial feedback indicates a very positive financial outcome, this research is at a very preliminary stage and no further decisions have been made. Should a decision be made to progress to Stage 2 of the investigation, then funds of approximately $100,000 would be allocated to pay consultants and to obtain architects plans for the Clubhouse and for the residential apartment development. This stage, if undertaken, would provide sufficient information for member presentations and opportunities for member feedback. Any decision to proceed further will be subject to member feedback and ultimately, a member vote.

The Board believes this investigation is warranted to appropriately evaluate opportunities that may help us to achieve several critical objectives including creation of a masterplan to rejuvenate our Clubhouse and also to generate funds to provide a material corpus to fund ongoing maintenance and improvements.

Newly appointed Directors will be briefed as soon as practicable before any further discussion. When or if any further progress is made in this direction, the membership will be kept informed.

I am sure you will have questions, however at this early stage, there is limited additional information available.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to make some acknowledgments:-

Thank you to our wonderful staff who contribute to all aspects of our enjoyment of the Club. In particular I would like to thank General Manager, Daniel Constable for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the Club. To Rod (Finance), Phil (Golf), Brenden (Course), Jack (F&B), Shariq (Executive Chef) and Judy (Functions) – thank you for your hard work and support.

The Women’s Committee has continued to provide exceptional support to the Women’s section and I congratulate outgoing Women’s President, Linda Lea and the Women’s Captain, Gemma Amate on their significant contributions this year. Congratulations also to our new Women’s President, Julie Newell on her recent appointment.

We have many volunteers who continue to make invaluable contributions to the Club. Special thanks to Tina Davidson (and the whole Green Army), Bruce Phillips, Brent Hedges, Alan Martin, Denise Ford, Derek Nix, Anneliis Matthews, Eadie Martin, Dave Brown and Stephen Day for your assistance and support.

As you aware we we have 3 new Board directors and I welcome Nicole Duncan, Scott Somerville and Darryl Tweedale to the Boardroom! In doing so we also wish to take a moment to thank our departing Directors, Gary Lord, Iain Spittal and Chris Connolly, thankyou for your contributions.

I would like to personally thank each of the members of the 2025 Board for their dedication and enthusiasm, both individually and as a team. Being on the Board is a very large commitment in terms of time and responsibility and each Director has given most generously with the aim of supporting the Club for the benefit of members.

Most importantly I would like to thank you, the members for your encouragement and your support. It is a privilege for me to represent you and our Club.

Alison Andrews

PRESIDENT

Summary Election Results:

The Returning Officer Richard Evans full report will be published within the Minutes AGM. Summary below.

All nominees have now been informed of the election outcome as follows:

• President: Alison Andrews

• Vice-President: Richard Gobee

• Captain: Alex Hunter

• Vice Captain: Mike McKinlay

• Treasurer: Linda Lea

• Directors: Scott Somerville, Nicole Duncan, Darryl Tweedale and Michael Cook.

Following the close, the elected Directors drew lots to determine terms in office, the outcome of the terms draw is noted below:

TRIENNIAL GROUPING

2025 Returning Officers Report Richard Evans_

2025 Annual Report

Daniel Constable

GENERAL MANAGER